WSR 14-03-039

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed January 8, 2014, 3:02 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 246-935-050 Animal health care tasks, the veterinary board of governors will consider amending the level of supervision required for the administration of rabies vaccinations by veterinary technicians and unregistered assistants.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.92.030.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: RCW 16.36.020 gives the director of the Washington state department of agriculture (WSDA) the authority to regulate the sale, distribution, and use of veterinary biologics in the state. WSDA's WAC 16-42-026 requires that biologics, including rabies, be purchased, administered or used by or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The veterinary board of governor's (board) WAC 246-935-050 does not require direct supervision by a licensed veterinarian for veterinary technicians or unregistered assistants when administering the vaccine. The board will consider whether revising its rules is necessary.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Washington state department of agriculture.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative rule making.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Judy Haenke, Program Manager, Department of Health, Veterinary Board of Governors, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, Judy.haenke@doh.wa.gov, phone (360) 236-4947, fax (360) 236-2901.

January 8, 2014

Kirby Putscher

Acting Executive Director